# Establishment of reference values based on influential characteristics of hematopoietic stem cells and immune cell subsets in the bone marrow

## TL;DR

This study establishes reference ranges for hematopoietic stem cells and immune cells in bone marrow, considering factors like age and body weight.

## Contribution

The paper provides new reference values for bone marrow cell populations influenced by age and body weight.

## Key findings

- No significant difference in HSC or immune cell counts between males and females.
- Younger donors had higher CD34+ and immune cell subset counts.
- Healthier body weight correlates with richer bone marrow cellularity.

## Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is still a curative treatment for many haematological cancers. Many factors, such as age, sex, ethnic background, smoking status, and body mass index, affect average reference values in different populations. This study aimed to establish a reference range for the absolute numbers and percentages of healthy individuals' hematopoietic stem cells and immune cells in the bone marrow. Seventy-one healthy donors (32 males and 39 females) were enrolled in the study. Following bone marrow harvesting, using flow cytometry, immunophenotyping was performed to determine the absolute number and percentage of CD34+ stem cells and various immune subsets. We found no statistically significant difference in the absolute count of HSCs or immune cell subsets in the bone marrow between males and females. Regarding age, the younger group had more significant CD34+ and immune cell subsets. Donors with healthier body weights tend to have richer bone marrow cellularity. Establishing a reference value for hematopoietic stem cells and immune cells in the bone marrow based on various influential factors is pivotal for defining bone marrow status and donor selection.